The up and coming talent of the retail sector gathered last night for the National Skills Academy for Retail Rising Stars Awards.

Hosted by comedian Rob Beckett and held at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London’s Mayfair, retailers including Tesco, Boots, Debenhams and Vodafone picked up awards at last night’s event, organised by Retail Week.

Special guest and long-time supporter of the event Theo Paphitis, owner of Ryman, Robert Dyas and Boux Avenue, helped to hand out awards.

The big winner on the night was Vodafone’s Terry Washington, who won the overall Retail Week Rising Star of the Year.

Paphitis said: “All of the finalists have done fantastically well to get this far. These people are a shining example and inspiration to the industry showing the drive, commitment, enthusiasm and passion you need to make it in retail. 

“They have every chance to go on to become tomorrow’s leaders in retail and I look forward to seeing the finalists develop their careers in what I believe to be the most dynamic and exciting industry in the world.”

Jane Rexworthy, Head of the National Skills Academy for Retail, said: “Well done to all the winners for this remarkable achievement but also congratulations to all the finalists for getting this far.

“These awards give us a chance to recognise and reward those individuals and all our finalists have clearly shown they have got what it takes to become future retail leaders.”

The Winners 

Retail Week Rising Star of the Year 

  • Winner: Terry Washington, Vodafone

The UK Point of Sale Buyer/Merchandiser - Team/Individual of the Year

  • Winner: Tessa Ireland, Hobbycraft
  • Highly Commended: Kelly Tolman, Shop Direct

Online Team/Individual of the Year

  • Winner: Champa Pindoria, Ryman

Store Support Manager of the Year

  • Winner: David Egerton, Debenhams
  • Highly Commended: Laura Stimpson, Budgens

Marketing Team/Individual of the Year

  • Winner: Lauren Hardinges, New Look

HR Training Team/Individual of the Year

  • Winner: Rhian Morley, Vodafone
  • Highly Commended: Emily Felstead, New Look

Head Office Support Team/Individual of the Year

  • Winner: Lexie Rudd, Boots
  • Highly Commended: Amy Stayt and Ricky Davda, The White Company

Customer Service Team/Individual of the Year

  • Winner: Donna O’Connor, The White Company
  • Highly Commended: Zahida Bostan, Brighthouse

Store Manager of the Year - Midlands, Wales & South West

  • Winner: Aggie Krawczyk, The White Company
  • Highly Commended: Nicola McGuinness, Tesco

Store Manager of the Year - North of England

  • Winner: Mark Hastings, Tesco

Store Manager of the Year - Scotland & Ireland

  • Winner: Ami Greenwell, Warehouse

Store Manager of the Year - South East & East Anglia

  • Winner: Erica Flack, BHS

Area Manager of the Year

  • Winner: Terry Washington, Vodafone
  • Highly Commended: Joanne Rutter, Oasis

NSA for Retail Apprentice of the Year

  • Winner: Craig Dennis, Ryman, Hawk Training 
  • Highly Commended: Paul Paxon, USC, The Source Academy

NSA for Retail Learner of the Year

  • Winner: Sam Malvern, Inside Out Gift Shop, Acorn Skills Shop
  • Highly Commended: Alma Edwards, WRVS, Wirral Skills Shop

NSA for Retail Trainer of the Year

  • Winner: Paula Windle, The Source Skills Academy

Topics